A bookseller reunites with her estranged, enigmatic father in Key West in this suspenseful novel by a New York Times-bestselling author. Twenty-five years ago, Long Island bookstore owner Laurel York was abandoned by her father, author Clifton York. Ever since, she’s followed his life and career with morbid resentment. When Clifton’s collaborator shows up in her shop with the gift of an … with the gift of an orchid, she reluctantly agrees to accompany him back to Key West to help her and her father come to terms with the past–even in light of her late mother’s warning: “There is something terribly wrong in that house . . .”
Laurel arrives at her father’s estate in the historic district of Old Town expecting past wounds to show their scars. But what she doesn’t anticipate are her father’s cool reception, two strange stepsisters, rumors of a buried treasure, and the whispers about Clifton’s second wife–and her bizarre death in a greenhouse full of orchids. The only one who seems to be happy about her presence is the mysterious Marcus O’Neill–if only she could be sure she can trust him. Now, in a house of bad blood and family secrets, Laurel finds herself alone, unprepared for the real reason she has been summoned, and, with every new revelation, more afraid for her life.
Edgar Award winner Phyllis A. Whitney, “headmistress of handsomely-schooled suspense [is] in full bloom” in this gothic romance of deception and murder (Kirkus Reviews).
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Phyllis A. Whitney including rare images from the author’s estate.
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Classic Phyllis Whitney. Unexpected plot twists.
I finished reading Dream of Orchids over lunch today. It felt like I was really in Key West. Loved the way the story built up, but not so keen on the hidden secrets that were alluded to as they became tiresome. End of the book was pretty darn good! Would recommend.
Not being a big fan of explicit sex I sometimes try to find books where the story is more important than the bedroom scenes. Whitney wrote during the time before all books seemed to require sex to sell. It is a change of pace, and I don’t have to skip over those pages in her stories, and can just enjoy the storyline!
I used to read this author but stopped years ago. I decided I needed a break from the dark Nordic type books I read now. This book was such a good respite! Her books are well written, and I learned that this author visited every locale she set her stories in and she stayed for awhile, long enough to get a good, accurate feel for the place. This book is set in Key West in or around the 1970s. I was there a lot at that time and she got it just right. No chain stores, no cruise ships, and an edgy but much more relaxed pace than now. Her through research made me respect her as a writer, and as a woman who was still writing and traveling into her 90’s. I only did 4 stars instead of 5 because it was unintentionally dated as it was written near the same time period as it was set. And there is always a good ending, usually after finding “the one.” Other than that it’s a fast and pleasant read with excellent atmospheric descriptions.
I enjoy this author and this book was also enjoyable. Her books are light and easy reading.
started slow but picked up. nice emotional plot
Phyllis Whitney was one of the greats and always delivers.